World War I Draft Registration Cards

Did your ancestor register for the draft in the United States between 1917 and 1918? The draft was authorized for the purpose of raising a national army in light of the United States’ entry into World War I.

Learn about these records

Each result will provide you with a transcript and an image of the original draft registration card. The cards pertain to the period from 1917 to 1918.

Transcripts will provide the following details:

First name(s)

Last name

Sex

Birth year

Birth date

Place of birth as transcribed

Birth country

Registration year

Citizenship country

Residence

State

The images provided with each result will often include additional details. These details could pertain to your ancestor’s home address, type of citizenship, occupation, employer and place of employment, prior military service, and race, as well as if your ancestor has a spouse or children. Each card was then signed by the individual, which provides you with a look at your ancestor’s own script and signature.

In response to the United States’ entry into World War I, the Selective Service Act was authorized for the purpose of raising a national army. Starting in 1917, more than 24 million Americans (nearly 98 percent of the male population under the age of 46) registered for the draft. This nationwide collection represents 25 percent of the entire U.S. population and includes detailed personal information about each individual.

Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth's draft registration card from 1917, age 23, can be found in these records. His occupation is listed as ‘Base Ball’ and his place of employment as ‘Fenway Park’.

Field Eugene Kindley

Captain Kindley was an aviator and flying ace during World War I, responsible for 12 aerial victories. On his draft card, he is listed as a student. He was single at the time of registering, with no dependents.

Clayton Knight

An aviator in World War I, Knight was also an artist, the illustrator of the Ace Drummond comic strip. On his draft card, Knight is listed as an artist. He was 26 years old and single at the time of the draft.

Alvin York

York became one of the most decorated American soldiers from World War I. Born in Pall Mall, Tennessee, York listed his profession as ‘labor on farm’ on his draft registration. While listed as single, he did note as dependents ‘mother, brother, sister’. He was awarded the following: Medal of Honor (highest personal military decoration awarded by the United States), Distinguished Service Cross (United States), Legion of Honour (France), Croix de Guerre (France), War Merit Cross (Italy), and Order of Prince Danilo I (Montenegro).

Search tips

Expand your search by selecting the ‘name variants’ box under the first and last name search bars. This will return more records with similar names, including possible alternate spellings or the use of initials or middle names.